The big question that’s been on everyone’s mind in Alberta for months is whether people want to stay in Canada or hold another vote to leave.
Now, Albertans have made their choice.
The Decision Desk is projecting a victory for the “remain” side in the Alberta referendum.
There were ten questions asked in this referendum, including one about independence.
Results for that question were expected after 10 p. m. MT, but one polling station in Cardston-Siksika stayed open longer than planned, causing a delay.
As of 12:30 a. m., with over one million votes counted, 76.5 percent favored the “remain” option while 23.5 percent chose the referendum option.
In addition to the independence question, five other questions addressed immigration issues and four proposed changes to the constitution.
Election officials are still counting those results. You can check out the latest updates here.
‘We can’t keep fighting’
As news spread late Monday night, supporters of staying in Canada erupted into cheers at a pro-federalist gathering, chanting “Canada! Canada!”
At a Forever Canadian rally just before midnight, founder Thomas Lukaszuk told attendees that these results send a clear message across Canada that Alberta won’t be seen as the “weak link” in Confederation.
“We Albertans are as proud to be Canadians as any other Canadian across the country,” he expressed to the audience.
However, Lukaszuk also emphasized the importance of recognizing those Albertans who voted differently and stressed that it’s crucial to have conversations with pro-independence supporters.
“As Canadians, as Albertans, we can’t keep fighting with each other,” he remarked.
Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk speaks at the pro Canada watch party in Edmonton on Oct. 19. (James Maclennan/The Canadian Press)
Polls have indicated that opinions about separation have been consistent over recent years, with most leaning toward remaining part of Canada.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith added the independence question to the ballot earlier this year after arguing that having a vote was necessary due to many Albertans signing competing citizen petitions.
Yet she has had to deal with divisions within her United Conservative Party. Polls suggested that slightly more UCP voters preferred the separation option included in this referendum.
On X, Smith said she was “very pleased” with initial results from Elections Alberta showing “widespread support” for remaining part of Canada.
“Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada,” she noted. “Thank you to all Albertans who took time to vote on these critically important referendum questions.”
Smith mentioned she would speak to Albertans on Tuesday evening at 6:45 p. m. regarding what these results mean for our province moving forward.”
Earlier this month, she stated if voters chose to remain part of Canada she wouldn’t hold another independence referendum while she’s premier.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at the Canada Strong and Free conference on Oct. 16. (Jeff Mc Intosh/The Canadian Press)
In recent times Smith has worked hard on presenting Confederation positively by highlighting what she sees as improved relations between Alberta and Ottawa thanks largely to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new approach.
In his statement released Tuesday morning Carney commented that separation results show “Albertans and all Canadians will move forward together with renewed purpose and high ambition.”
“Canada is so much greater than the sum of its parts. Now it is our opportunity to take all that we have been given as Canadians – and we have been given the greatest country in the world – and make our country better for all of us,” Carney wrote.
Carney suggested during his visit last week that Albertans should vote “No to th e Nine”, referring t o an ad campaign encouraging residents not t o approve nine questions unrelated t o separat ion.
Economic risks and sending a message h2 >
Throughout th e campaign advocates for ind ependence claimed Alberta has faced long-term mistreatment by Ottawa claiming federal environmental policies hurt its oil industry. p >
Keith Wilson , an influential voice i n th e independence movement , expressed earlier Monday hope f or strong support from secessionists t o send Ottawa a clear message. p >
After results came out , Wilson stated even though final numbers aren’t available yet , it’s noteworthy around twenty-five percent of Albert ans feel they deserve better treatment within Confederation. p >
“Tonight wraps up an election campaign , but discussions about Alberta’s future within Ca nada , our place there , and our role will carry on,” Wilson shared. p >![]()
Keith Wilson co-leaderof Let A lberta Decide expresses after result announcement Monday.()
Meanwhile federally focused groups cautioned separating from Ca nada could lead t o serious economic troubles. P >
Monte Solberg , whos arthe head o f Vote To Stay campaign pointed out it’s crucial now more than ever t o focuson making A lberta stronger within Canada ratherthan pursuing separation. Furthermore he adds it’stime t o endth e talk about splitting offand start buildingthat stronger future.” P>
The premier who always voiced her support forthe notionof stayingin Canada acknowledged being viewedas publicenemy numberone among separatistsfor her stance. P>
Many A lbertan s voted early h2> Despite recent upward trends voter turnout historically hasn’tbeen greatinprovincial elections here. P>
Elections Alberto hadn’t anticipated such turnoutfor thisreferendum.
They previously projected record participation rates reaching80to85 percent comparedto60point5percentin last provincial election.
A voter leav es pollingafter castingtheirvote duringthe Alber tareferendumin Calgary OCT19.( Jeff Mc Intosh/ The Canadian Press )
High engagementwas evidentamongthosevotingearlywhethertheyvisitedadvancepollsorsent ballotsby mailwithover1pointthree millionpeoplechoosingeitheroption.
Resultswere delayed Mondayafteran announcementthat100pollingstationshadfailedtoopenontime.
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